CQB Operation: From Weapons, Accessories and Tactics

What is Close Quarters Battle (CQB)?

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) refers to a type of combat that takes place in confined spaces, such as buildings, urban environments, or other tight quarters. It involves engaging the enemy at very close distances, often within arm’s reach, where traditional firearms and tactics may not be as effective. It involves small, specialized units or teams rapidly moving and looking for precise targets. This application requires extreme mobility and a specific mix of lethality, while maintaining maximum situational awareness.
BDT systems include a wide range of combat pistols, shotguns, submachineguns, and assault rifles of various calibers, all enhanced by Steiner optics and electro-optics solutions and integrated with specialty ammunition to succesfully perform the mission.

The terms CQB slightly differs from CQC, that stands for close quarters combat. It encompasses various forms of hand-to-hand combat or combat engagements that occur at very close range, typically within arm’s reach or when using melee weapons.

Unlike CQB that is a term related to close firearm battles, CQC techniques include mainly unarmed combat, knife fighting and bayonet training. Following the different points explained through this article:

1. CQB Weapons
2. CQB Tactical Clothing
3. Optics and Accessories
4. CQB Training Activities
5. CQB Tactics
6. Conclusion

1) CQB Weapons, Firearms and Guns

The selection of these firearms is based on factors such as maneuverability, firepower, accuracy, and ease of use in tight quarters. Some of the primary firearms used in CQB operations include:

• Submachine Guns (SMGs) are compact, lightweight firearms that fire pistol-caliber ammunition (excellent when combined with RWS 9×19 ACTION SE SXF) . They are highly maneuverable and have a high rate of fire, making them ideal for CQB situations, like the PMX, latest SMG developed by Beretta in which the extensive use of polymer materials and light alloy metals allowed the design of a compact, lightweight, yet rugged structure, one which is versatile and easy to deploy in combat. The major components: barrel and bolt, are machined from special high-strength steel, specifically designed to withstand the rigors of harsh environments and abusive conditions. SMGs are often used by special forces, law enforcement tactical units, and other military personnel in urban combat scenarios. Small calibres allow for the carriage of large amounts of ammunition.
• Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) are standard rifles with shorter barrels, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces. They offer better accuracy and range compared to SMGs since they use rifle-caliber ammunition ( e.g. the 5.56×45 LF STYX). SBRs are commonly used by special operations forces and SWAT teams. Within the BDT portfolio we can offer different wepon systems such as the Beretta ARX 160 11” and the NEW Assault Rifle Platform (NARP) barrel length 11,5” / 14,5” . SBRs are often combined with sound suppressors (featured product is the new Beretta made B-Silent sound suppressor, produced using additive manufacturing technology) to mitigate flash and acoustic signature. This can increase the overall weapon length.
• Shotguns are versatile firearms that can be effective in CQB environments, especially when equipped with specialized ammunition like buckshot or breaching rounds ( e.g. ENTRY I or II) . They are often used for door breaching, close-range engagements, and non-lethal crowd control situations. In the US it is often used short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) that have barrels shorter than 18 inches. Thanks to Benelli Company, founder and member of the BDT strategic alliance, we can offer various weapon systems for Close Range e.g the Benelli M4 semi – automatic shotgun. It can shoot a wide range of ammunition depending on the mission at hand, like the 12/70 Magnum ENTRY from RWS which allows for rapid door breach while minimizes the risk of collateral damage.
• Personal Defense Weapons (PDWs) are compact firearms designed for personal defense and close combat situations. They are smaller than traditional rifles but more powerful than pistols (find more on 4,6×30 ACTION SX specialty ammo developed by RWS). PDWs are issued to personnel who require a lightweight and compact weapon for CQB operations, such as vehicle crews, pilots, and support staff.
• Pistols, while not the primary choice, are still essential in CQB scenarios as backup weapons or when transitioning to a secondary firearm. They are easily carried on the person and can be employed in extremely close encounters or when the primary weapon is unavailable or out of ammunition.
• Projected grenade launchers are 40mm low velocity grenades can employed as close support weapons. The relatively light nature allows a good tactical load of ammunition to be carried by the grenadier. The launcher may be stand alone or combined with another weapon system to allow for maximum versatility. It will allow the operator to accurately engage targets from 15-300m with a variety of ammunition including High Explosive (HE), High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP, combines a small shaped charge element for use against soft and light armouereed vehicles), smoke for screening and marking targets, irritant and illumination rounds.
• Hand deployed grenades have an important part in cqb. Less than lethal distraction and irritant grenades can be used to great effect in confined spaces but care must be taken to avoid unintended consequences, especially with irritant. These types of ammunition are traditionally used in hostage rescue and prisoner snatch operations; the CENTANEX CTX-1-C Single Bang Grenade induces a debilitating effect on any person within the effective range, however the device presents no fragmentation or projectile concerns; this device is deployed during Law Enforcement and special Forces operations where an immediate and extreme level of compliance is required from a target(s), moreover, in order to minimize obscuration on function, it offers a significantly reduced smoke signature.
  High explosive and fragmentation grenades can be employed in both defensive and offensive action. Fragmentation can be dangerous well beyond the throwing distance of the grenade and are well suited to delivery within a confined space such as a bunker or trench. Care must be taken when employing fragmentation ammunition inside some constructions as the fragmentation can easily penetrate timber and dry wall constructions. Thermobaric and High explosive grenades can have excellent effect on troops taking cover in tunnels and enclosed spaces whilist countering the risk of fratricide from fragmentation.
• Combat Knives are military and tactical knives designed for close-quarters combat. They are usually fixed-blade knives with sturdy construction for thrusting and slashing.
• Riot shields, while not a traditional melee weapon, can be used in CQC situations to protect and push back opponents. Ballistic shields can be utilised in all CQB situations, offering various levels of protection. Dependant on level of protection and coverage, these are large and cumbersome items and care must be taken when planning the tactical employment.

2) CQB Tactical Clothing

A well-designed Close Quarters Battle (CQB) uniform prioritizes mobility, protection, and the ability to carry essential gear while operating in confined spaces. It varies depending on the operator’s role, mission requirements, and the organization’s standard operating procedures (SOP). In every department and production phase of each BDT company, the continuous synergy between Mil&LE operators with R&D departments allows our Clothing to be engineered to provide functionality, durability, and comfort in high-stress and demanding situations. Some common elements between CQB uniforms and Tactical Clothing are the Ripstop fabric material to resist tearing and ripping, significantly enhancing the durability of the garment. Tactical clothing in general, includes numerous pockets, both visible and hidden, strategically placed to allow for easy access to essential gear and equipment. Important factors combining breathable ergonomic design (to provide freedom of movement and minimize restrictions during operations) with quick-drying properties, water-resistant or waterproof to offer protection in wet conditions. Beretta has developed two products lines (Combat Kit and Flame resistant Kit) to match the requests of law enforcement agencies for clothing that provide increased protection and comfort for their personnel. (find more on Berettadefense.com).

In CQB operational scenarios accessories often used (highly recommended) are:

• tactical helmet: a sturdy and lightweight helmet provides head protection from impacts, debris, and potential projectiles. It may have rails for mounting accessories like night vision devices, lights, or communication systems;
• tactical vest or plate carrier: a vest or plate carrier is worn to carry ammunition, magazines, medical supplies, and other essential gear. It can also include ballistic hard armour plates for additional protection against gunfire. Like helmets and other ballistic protection, vests can be scaled to provide the relevant protection for the task, for example breaching or break in troops may wear a full complement of armour, which can be heavy and restrictive but provides the maximum amount of protection. Once the ‘break in’ phase is completed other more mobile and dynamic troops can exploit the breach in lighter equipment;
• gloves: tactical gloves protect the hands and provide a better grip on firearms and equipment. They also shield against abrasions and cuts;
• eye protection: high-quality ballistic-rated goggles or shooting glasses protect the eyes from debris and potential hazards. Eye protection should be viewed as essential, like helmet and vest, and should be mandated by all commanders;
• hearing and mask protection: ear protection is vital, especially in indoor environments where firearms can produce loud noise that may cause hearing damage. Acoustic suppression of small arms weapons should be used in conjunction with hearing protection where possible. Respirator mask are designed to provide respiratory protection in various operational environments. These masks are typically more compact and lightweight compared to full-face respirators used in specific hazardous situations;
• communication equipment: tactical headsets or communication systems allow team members to communicate effectively during operations. This should be combined with hearing protection wherever possible. Mechanised troops should incorporate ‘walk on’ comms gear to allow them to plug in to vehicle systems without the need to change headsets or helmet;
• miscellaneous gear: medical Kit (A compact medical kit with essential first aid supplies is carried to address injuries during combat) Magazine Pouches and Utility Pouches.

3) Optics and Accessories

Optics in CQB scenarios are chosen based on the specific needs of the operator, the mission, and the weapon platform. The primary goal is to enable quick target acquisition and engagement while maintaining situational awareness in close-quarters environments. Red dot (e.g Steiner MPS) and holographic sights are particularly favored for their ability to keep both eyes open, allowing for a wider field of view and improved spatial awareness, which is crucial in CQB situations.
Again,depending on the mission and the operator’s preferences, various weapon accessories can be added, such as weapon lights (Steiner Mk4), foregrips,suppressor and laser sights (DBAL-PL) for improved target acquisition. Care must be taken to avoid uneccesary emmisions and signature. Details of emmision control measures must be clearly defined in the planning and orders phase of operations. You can find full range of products by Steiner Defense.

4) CQB Training Activities

Historically hostage rescue and highly targeted assaults are carried out by multiple, small teams of special operators. Whilst special forces can play a part in peer on peer warfighting, traditionally, larger formations of infantry will be tasked with clearing general enemy targets such as defensive trench lines and bunker complexes. Training is where lessons are identified and learned, mitigating risk in the operational environment.

Individual skills are the fundamental building block on which all other tactics, techniques and proceedures (TTP’s) stand on. The soldier or officer must be proficient in the use of his weapons and equipment. This can only be achieved by practice. Spending time ensuring weapons and sighting systems are corectly matched and zeroed, practicing accurate shot placement, introducing pressure of time and environmental factors is a progressive training programme. The soldier must be confident and efficient in dealing with both adminstative problems such as ammunition management and also immediate action (IA) drills such as emergency reloading and weapon malfunction drills. This can ony be achieved through practice.

• Live-Fire Drills involve using real firearms and live ammunition in controlled environments to practice room clearing, target discrimination and engagement, and tactical movement. These drills help improve accuracy, weapon handling, and decision-making under simulated combat conditions. Practice should be progressive from individual then to team and finally to multi team scenarios.
• Force-on-Force Exercises use non-lethal training ammunition, such as Simunition, Ultimate Training Muntions (UTM) or airsoft, to create realistic scenarios where soldiers face off against live opponents. This type of training allows for dynamic and interactive experiences, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making skills.
• Room Clearing Scenarios, they permit to trainees to practice entering and clearing rooms with potential threats. Different scenarios simulate various situations, such as dealing with armed adversaries, hostages, or multiple rooms with changing conditions.
• Shoot/No-Shoot and target discrimination Drills challenge trainees to quickly assess threats and make split-second decisions on whether to engage targets or hold their fire based on the rules of engagement.
• Urban Combat Simulations replicate complex urban environments with realistic structures, streets, and obstacles. Trainees navigate these environments, encountering various challenges and threats.
• Tactical Breaching Exercises are excercises through which trainees practice breaching doors and windows using different tools and techniques, including ballistic shields, breaching shotguns, and explosives.
• Low-Light and Night Vision Training are activities based on the fact that CQB operations often take place in low-light conditions or complete darkness. Trainees learn to use flashlights, weapon-mounted lights, and night vision equipment effectively.
• Immediate Action Drills focus on teaching trainees how to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected threats or malfunctions with their weapons.
• Team Movement and Coordination focus on developing team coordination and communication during CQB operations, ensuring seamless movement and cooperation between team members.
• Stress Inoculation Training involves exposing trainees to highly stressful situations during training to build resilience and improve performance under pressure.
• After-Action Reviews (AARs), after each training activity, are conducted to review performance, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and reinforce important lessons learned.
• Scenario-Based Training involves creating realistic, dynamic scenarios that challenge trainees to apply their skills and adapt to changing circumstances.

5) CQB Tactics

These tactics prioritize speed, surprise, and overwhelming force to neutralize threats while minimizing risk to friendly forces. Here are some of the most common CQB tactics:

• Dynamic Room Entry
  In this tactic, the assault team rapidly enters a room using force and momentum to overwhelm any threats inside. Team members move swiftly and maintain controlled aggression to quickly dominate the space.
• Clearing Corners
  When moving through hallways, narrow corridors, or trenchlines, operators employ techniques to clear corners to minimize their exposure to potential threats. This includes slicing the pie or using quick peek-and-shoot movements to dominate threat areas and engage targets while remaining behind cover.
• Bounding and Covering
  When advancing through a series of rooms or open areas, teams use bounding and covering techniques. One team advances while the other provides covering fire to suppress potential threats.
• Slicing the Pie
  This method is used when approaching a closed door. Operators gradually reveal portions of the room while minimizing their exposure, allowing them to engage threats from a position of advantage.
• Crossing the Fatal Funnel
  The fatal funnel refers to the entrance of a room or any other confined space where the risk of enemy fire is highest. Teams employ tactics to quickly cross the fatal funnel to establish a foothold inside the room or space.
• Limited Penetration
  When uncertain about the situation inside a room, limited penetration tactics are used. Operators enter just enough to gain visibility of potential threats without fully committing to the room.
• Bounding Overwatch
• In team movements, involves one team providing covering fire while the other advances to the next position. This tactic ensures continuous suppression of potential threats.

• Priority of Threats
  Operators are trained to prioritize threats based on their level of danger. Immediate threats are engaged first, followed by any remaining targets in order of severity.
• Communication and Verbal Commands
  Effective communication is critical in CQB operations. Teams use concise verbal commands to coordinate movements and identify friendly forces.
• Counter fratricide
  The risk of ‘blue on blue’ incidents is high in the complex environment. It can be mitigated by effective Command and Control (C&C) measures incuding use of check points, phase lines, objectives and a through knowledge of the grouping system (neighbouring friendly forces, their mission, objectives and scheme of manouvre) in the planning phase. Also use of control measures such as beacons (find more on Steinerdefense.com) and tracking systems on individual soldiers and teams in the execution phase.
• Hallway and trench Clearance
  When clearing hallways or trench systems, operators maintain proper spacing and watch multiple angles to prevent adversaries from flanking or ambushing the team.
• Constant Movement
  Operators in CQB environments are trained to keep moving to avoid becoming predictable targets and to maintain the initiative by carrying momentum.
• Breaching Techniques
  Teams employ various breaching techniques, including using explosives, ballistic shields, or mechanical tools, to gain entry into rooms or buildings. We must also consider breaching or breaking into the Forward Line Enemy Troops (FLET) or Main Defensive Position (MDP) when facing a near peer enemy in a conventional battlespace scenario. This may include clearing and marking a safe lane and physical removal of obstacles on the approach to and clearance of the objective.

5. Conclusion

It’s important to note that the choice of gear can vary depending on the specific mission, the unit’s preferences, and the available resources. CQB gear is designed to maximize the operator’s effectiveness and safety in high-stress, close-quarters situations. Overall we can say that in CQB scenarios, it’s essential to have specialized gear and equipment, including weapons, optics and ammunition, in BDT called “System of components”, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the operators. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an overview of the essential CQB tactical gear BDT can provide and their main functions. However, specific gear selection may vary based on the unique needs of each operator and his/her specific needs.

To find out more about CQB gear for your operations visit Beretta Defense Technologies.